Where in the World? A Peak into Design Hotels

Bonjour mes amies,

At the beginning of Spring, are you daydreaming of your next wanderlust vacation to places that make your heart sing?  I do.  As the weather gets warmer and then cold, in the Ides of March, I fantasize about my next big trip.  I would love to share some of these fantasies with you today.

Believe it or not, I spent the past 2.5 hours on one website: designhotels.com.  This is all the inspiration that I will need for months.  I usually only feel this giddy when hanging out in the magazine section at Barnes and Noble!  To find the intersection between traveling to exotic destinations and then staying in a perfectly designed (often sustainably) seems purely idyllic.  I invite you to imagine my favorites with me today, and then perhaps you will have some good dreams for the weekend ahead!

First I chose a few locations from my travel wish list in my journal:

Japan, Thailand, France, Greece, and Portugal

Then I searched the site for the location and the most soothing, beautiful, and innovative hotels that seemed like they had the most amenities to offer.  After all, this is my dream vacation!  Here is what I found:

I am looking forward to going back to Japan!

Specifically, I would like to do a more natural trip this next time.   I would like our home base to be Kyoto, and then take a long walking hike.   The Kumano Kodo route is an ancient pilgrimage taken by emperors,  samurai,  and everyday folk to ancient villages, temples, and hot springs.   It also looks like we can walk it in around 7 days.

Genji Kyoto:

Thailand made my list when I learned that our friends (Gail and Nick) have an uncle who lives in Thailand.  It looks like a heavenly place with so much to do and see.  I remember that my grandma brought home a small doll from Thailand when I was about 8.  The environment, the people, the design, and the lifestyle seem remarkable on every level.

The Naka Phuket:

 

Architecture and Interior Design by Duangrit Bunnag Architects

I actually minored in French in college.  Yup, that was a while ago!  Ed and I are going again in April-this time to the chateau region and then to Provence.  The last time we were there was in 1998 on a trip to Paris. That trip may have changed the way I see life forever.  Please excuse my drama statement, but really- the food, fashion, the ability to look effortlessly chic and still eat baguettes and see the most beautiful shades of gray…I cannot wait to go back!

Château de la Resle:

Since going to Turkey last year, Greece is now high on my list.  Greece and Turkey have had a rivalry for centuries, maybe even millennia.  However, I desire to see the differences and similarities between these two beautiful Mediterranean countries.

Phāea Cretan Malia:

One of our BD designers, Jennifer, visited Portugal last fall. Her glow and her pictures put Portugal at the top of my list. I am especially interested in Porto. I have been following some digital nomads on YouTube and have learned what to do and what not to do.